Many outstanding actors in the Peking opera scene have contributed to the continuation of artistic excellence by performing numerous classics in the Peking opera repertoire. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department's Chinese Opera Festival has invited several of these renowned Peking opera stars to perform in July.

Yu Kuizhi, the famous actor of "laosheng" (old man) roles, will perform the title role in "Wu Zixu", a full-length Peking opera made famous by Yang Baosen, one of the "Four Greats" in "xusheng" (bearded male) roles. Yu's impassioned singing and acting will offer the present-day audience a glimpse of Yang's exemplary art. In "Beating with a Gold Brick", which was a timeless audience favourite in the repertoire of Li Shaochun, the lead actor must give an all-round performance in singing, delivery of lines, acting and dance, as well as acrobatics through martial arts. Yu will demonstrate his consummate skills and perform with bravura.

Li Shengsu, recognised as the true exponent of the Mei Lanfang school of art, will play the title role in "The Shoe Story" and "The Drunken Royal Concubine".

Last but not the least, in "The Wild Boar Forest", which is taken from the famous novella "The Water Margin", Yu will partner with guest performer Yang Chi. Yang is a famous performer in "hualian" (painted face) roles and a disciple of Yuan Shihai. The audience will be able to witness the exceptional chemistry between these great actors onstage - this is definitely a programme not to be missed.

Details of the performances are as follows:

July 20, 7.30pm
"The Drunken Concubine", "Beating with a Gold Brick"

July 21, 2.30pm
"Wu Zixu"

July 21, 7.30pm
"The Shoe Story"

July 22, 7.30pm
"The Wild Boar Forest"

All performances will be staged at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $350, $260, $180 and $100 are available at all URBTIX outlets, on the Internet and by telephone credit card booking. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and their minders, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients. (Limited tickets for CSSA recipients available on a first-come, first-served basis.) Please refer to the programme booklet for group and package booking discount schemes.